addictions

Browsing shows us a FREE fun read, one previously read-and-enjoyed and shared here again recently. It’s worth another look.

In Between (A Katie Parker Production, Book 1)

Amazon quote:

When the case worker drops Katie Parker off at her new foster parents’ home, Katie knows she’s not staying. In the time it takes to unpack her suitcase, she’s launched a full-scale mission to get sent back to the girls’ home. Live with a pastor and his wife? No, thank you. When phase two of the plan backfires and gets Katie in big trouble, her punishment lands her in a local production of Romeo and Juliet. What does she know about acting? But when she steps into the spotlight, Katie will find more than applause waiting for her on that old, weathered stage.

While Katie slowly adjusts to life with her foster parents, she’ll realize she’s not the only one with a troubled past. Her new family is hiding something, and Katie will do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of it. Even if that means hanging out with her insane foster grandma, Mad Maxine. If this old lady’s shenanigans don’t get them both thrown in jail, surely Katie will live to uncover the Scott family secrets.

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us today.

Second Chance Ranch: (Three Rivers Ranch Romance Book 1)

Amazon quote:

After his deployment, injured and discharged Major Squire Ackerman returns to Three Rivers Ranch, anxious to prove himself capable of running the cattle operation so his parents can retire. Things would be easier if the ranch wasn’t missing 1.6 million dollars, which forces Squire to hire Kelly, the girl who rejected his high school prom invitation, as his accountant.

She’s back in town with her four-year-old son, living in her parent’s basement until she can get her life back together. With fresh ink on her divorce papers and open gashes on her heart, she’s not ready for much beyond her new job on the ranch.

Squire wants to forgive Kelly for ignoring him a decade ago. He’d like to provide the stable life she needs, but with old wounds opening and a ranch on the brink of financial collapse, it will take patience and faith to make their second chance possible.

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I know this FREE one has been mentioned recently but it’s a slow day for new suggestions so we’ll go with it. I liked this book.

The Watchmaker’s Daughter (Glass and Steele Book 1)

Amazon quote:

India Steele is desperate. Her father is dead, her fiancé took her inheritance, and no one will employ her, despite years working for her watchmaker father. Indeed, the other London watchmakers seem frightened of her. Alone, poor, and at the end of her tether, India takes employment with the only person who’ll accept her – an enigmatic and mysterious man from America. A man who possesses a strange watch that rejuvenates him when he’s ill.

Matthew Glass must find a particular watchmaker, but he won’t tell India why any old one won’t do. Nor will he tell her what he does back home, and how he can afford to stay in a house in one of London’s best streets. So when she reads about an American outlaw known as the Dark Rider arriving in England, she suspects Mr. Glass is the fugitive. When danger comes to their door, she’s certain of it. But if she notifies the authorities, she’ll find herself unemployed and homeless again – and she will have betrayed the man who saved her life.

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There are two books in my currently reading queue. I’m bouncing back and forth between them, still trying to decide if I’m feeling attraction. Indecision is not necessarily a good sign. They are both still FREE. Try them out to see what you think.

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Happy Reading …

..on this cloudy but warm spring day. The weather forecast promises a high of 26 c again this afternoon. With the nice days we’ve had this week the growth of new tree leaves is noticeable. Everything here sprouts at alarming rates in this kind of weather and I’m not sad to see it. Well, except for the weeds.

Seven Free suggestions from LPC Books this morning, they want to make sure we have reading material while we are socially distancing ourselves with covid 19.

Murder in Disguise (A Preston Barclay Mystery Book 3) We have seen his one before but it’s still nice to see it again.

Fatal Transaction is also a book we’ve seen before, it was a year ago. I didn’t finish reading it. I’ll try again.

Amazon quote:

Sara, an expert computer hacker, knows better than to trust anyone—certainly not the powerful and crooked business mogul for whom she works. But there is no future for the life of a thief. Determined to find a way out, Sara devises a scheme to double-cross her employer and steal millions through one final fatal transaction.

Midnight Is My Time also seen a year ago. I did read this one

Amazon quote:

Loner Andy Mayer is on the run from a past he cannot escape and headed into a future he cannot foresee. But along the way he meets Missy, a mysteriously gifted and blind woman, whose senses point him in the right direction. Andy and Missy need to get to Maine but it seems every force in the universe is against them. Navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape, the two fight their way north where they eventually come face to face with an enemy so powerful it will take their collective efforts to defeat it. And only then will they both realize the true purpose of their journey.

Saratoga Letters is new to me. It appears to be a dual historical USA war story.

Amazon quote:

1777: The Battle of Saratoga, a turning point of the Revolutionary War, gives the American Continental Army its first great victory. But there seems little to celebrate for Abigail, a woman forced to tend to a wounded British soldier. While nursing William back to health, Abigail finds herself pursued by others in the enemy camp who have less than gallant intentions toward her. Fearful of who she can trust and who might betray her, she leans on her faith and God’s Providence for survival.

1977: On the anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga, thousands arrive from Europe and the United States to celebrate the event. Among the re-enactors are descendants of the original participants from both sides of the battle. One young American, Abby, meets the offspring of a British soldier. But when she finds herself almost assaulted by some men at the event, Abby turns to the only person she knows—her British ally. Can she trust him with her life? Or will he betray her in the same way loyalist spies betrayed her ancestors? Perhaps her answer lies in the letters from her ancestor and namesake, Abigail.

The Queen’s Daughters (Kate Bushnell Series Book 2) also from a year ago (for those of you following me all this time) I didn’t finish reading this one, I will give it another try.

Amazon quote:

Inspired by a dream, Dr. Kate Bushnell writes to Josephine Butler, famous crusader who frees women from sex slavery in Victorian England. Kate tells Mrs. Butler she is planning to travel to Great Britain. Though she she doesn’t have a cent for the journey from America, miraculously she arrives months later in London.

Once there, Kate and her friend Bess are invited to tea with Mrs. Butler. “When I read of your experiences rescuing girls in the lumber camps in Wisconsin,” Mrs. Butler says, “I thought you might be able to help us in India. We need proof for Parliament that the military entices or buys girls for the brothels on the bases.”

Kate glances at Bess. She sees a streak of fear in her eyes.

Mrs. Butler goes on, “I warn you, you would have to enter as secretly as possible. General Roberts, the commander-in-chief, would make sure you’d never enter another base again.” She pats Kate’s hand as if to soften her words. “I’m afraid this will be one of the hardest assignments you’ve undertaken.

The American Civil War has ended, but Alaina McKenna still awaits news about her husband, Braeden. Did he die in a Yankee prison? Was he buried in a shallow grave on a Virginia battlefield? Or has he turned his back on the specter of death and loss around him and sought solitude west of the Mississippi River, never to return home, again?

As Christmas nears, Alaina deflects the advances of a suitor in the neighboring county, choosing to cling instead to hope and her belief that Braeden will return.

Our Heart Psalms a new release to bring us a little comfort in this time of fear and panic.

Amazon quote:

Want a deeper relationship with God? Wonder how to talk to Him when you’re hurt, confused, angry—or overwhelmed with gratitude? Our heavenly Father wants us to know Him intimately. He wants us so close we can share every detail of life with Him—the agonies and ecstasies.

Our Heart Psalms explores the emotional rollercoaster of Scripture’s psalm writers, then invites you to use their patterns to create your own psalms. This interactive journal encourages you to develop an honest relationship with your Creator—who knows everything about you anyway.

The pickings are slim today. It’s not like there’s a shortage of books to choose from, there’s just a shortage of something to catch my interest. In my mind though, one or two is better than none so it’s still a good day.

BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us, a story with depth – something that always catches my interest. It appears I have downloaded a story from this author once before but haven’t read the book. Today is a good reminder I must do that.

Broken: Macy’s Story

Amazon quote:

Macy’s past won’t let her forget.

Macy Elmsworth has found herself in a mess. The 18 year old pastor’s daughter got in trouble with the law, nearly died, and in the process, damaged her relationship with her family. She now needs to fulfill community service hours. As a last resort, she moves in with her grandparents, where they need a housekeeper at the small motel they own.

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I’m currently reading Outbreak by Davis Bunn. I’ve tried starting several other books but found it difficult to stick with any of them. I’m not having that problem with this thriller. It’s still a bargain at $1.99 if you’ve not already downloaded it.

The waters off the West African coast are a menacing red, full of algae thick enough to stand on in places. In nearby villages, mysterious deaths start to occur–and the panic mounts. But before an alarm can be sounded, the sea currents shift, the algae vanishes, and the deaths stop. Everyone is relieved when things return to normal, and local government officials are happy to sweep the publicity nightmare under a rug.

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Today seems to be an off day for finding interesting books so I’m giving up the search. Tomorrow is new day. Maybe 24 hours will make the difference and the hunt will prove more successful. Although, if you’re like me, it’s not like we really need more books at the moment anyway.

LPCBooks has some FREE suggestions for us. This special deal ends on the 13th so we need to move quickly to take advantage of it. Most of them are repeat suggestions but they are worth pursuing if you’ve not seen them yet. Two are new to me: When You Come Home and Faith House . The two Young Adult fiction I’ve not read yet but they look like they could be interesting.

Small town Steadfast, Wisconsin, has spent the last six years raising funds to help a medical student stay in med school. In return, the student contracted to practice medicine in the local clinic for the next six years. Kirsi Royston is that doctor and now she must tell the town she is leaving at summer’s end. Family responsibilities demand she return to California. She promises she’ll find a replacement and all will be well. Doug Erickson, M. D. doubts that.

Kirsi is a dedicated doctor and a dutiful child. Her counterpart, known as Dr. Doug, is the same. His father died young and his 80-something grandfather deserves to retire. In the midst of their conflict over Kirsi wanting to break the contract comes the unthinkable. Meth is creeping into the county, poisoning students at the local high school. And the local eccentric, a woman who has bullied the town for years, finds herself needing help. Kirsi wants to provide that–another reason for the townspeople to grumble.

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Another bargain book at $1.32. I’ve not read this one, although I’ve read and enjoyed many from Christy Barritt, including books 1 and 2 from this series.

Ripple Effect (Lantern Beach Blackout Book 3)

Amazon quote:

A CHOICE THAT HAUNTS HIMGriff McIntyre never expected his ex-wife and three-year-old daughter to come to Lantern Beach. After an abduction attempt, they’re desperate for safety. Now Griff’s not letting either of them out of his sight.

A DESPERATION THAT BINDS THEMBethany knows Griff is the only one who can protect them, despite the fact that he broke her heart. But she’ll do anything to keep her daughter safe—even if it means playing nicely with a man she can’t stand.

A DANGER THAT PULLS THEM APARTAs peril ripples through their lives, Griff and Bethany must work together to protect their daughter. But an unseen enemy wants something from them . . . and will stop at nothing to get it. When disaster strikes, can Griff keep his family safe? Or will past mistakes bring the ultimate failure?

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Karen Kingsbury, an author we’ve read extensively over the years, has a bargain book I’ve not seen before. It’s based on a true story and $0.99 is awesome.

Deadly Pretender: The Double Life of David Miller

Amazon quote:

A New York Times–bestselling author and former Los Angeles Times reporter’s account of a con artist and bigamist who resorts to murder to hide his double life.David Miller had a dream job and a beautiful family. But one perfect life wasn’t enough. So he pretended to be an attorney, then a CIA agent. And he secretly married another woman. He juggled it all quite well—until the day his two wives found out about each other. Miller groped for ways to hold on to his finances and reputation. But when he tried using a gun to silence his second wife, his carefully constructed facade of power and wealth exploded.

In Deadly Pretender, New York Times–bestselling author Karen Kingsbury dives into the tangled world of deceit, greed, and lust to reveal what drove a seemingly upright citizen to live a double life, and then, to commit the unthinkable.

Maybe it’s a good thing I missed it. It heads off in a much different direction from the rest of this morning’s offerings. Maybe it deserves the attention of it’s own post.

Beggars Daughter is a true story based on one woman’s life, sharing her struggle with a difficult but very real subject.

Amazon quote:

If you think pornography is just a “guy thing” you would be wrong.

Jessica Harris was 13 years old when she was exposed to pornography. After four years, her use was out of control and when she went to find help, it became apparent that this wasn’t a thing many women do. All of the resources were for men, and when she got caught, she was told “Women don’t have this problem.” That sent her on a downward spiral and nearly landed her in the adult industry.

Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen. Instead, she found freedom, hope, healing and worth in the love and grace of God.

Beggar’s Daughter is a candid look into her story, how she struggled and eventually how God set her free. It is a narrative on grace suitable for the women who struggle and those who want to understand them. Through it all, the message is that no woman is ever beyond the grace of God.

This is a slow day for book suggestions but we have a few more read-and-enjoyed to share.

Legacy Restoredis my 5***** favorite today. It is book 2 in The Legacy series. Book 3 Legacy Reclaimed is scheduled to be released February 11, 2020. Legacy Rejected is book 1.

Romantic Suspense – Book 2 is currently $0.99 while the other two are $2.99 each. I’ve only read book two and would love to read the others.

Book one:

All she wants is a home, but there is no safe haven when mobsters are after you.

Book two:

She’s a reformed thief working to take down a murderer. He’s a grieving man who refuses to let another woman die needlessly. When their desires clash, will it lead to hostility… or fireworks?

Book three:

She’ll risk anything to save the company her parents built. He’ll risk anything to save her. Someone will stop at nothing to make sure they both fail.

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This next book – Deliverance: Lydia’s Story – is a fictional story about a broken family dealing with drug abuse, loss, hope and restoration.

Amazon quote:

Lydia Blankenship and her husband, Jim, lost their own little girl years ago to a medical mishap. It took Lydia nearly thirty years to stop hating the nurse who administered the wrong medicine. Now, she and Jim are once again in parental bliss as the legal guardians for Lydia’s charming five-year-old grandniece, Gracie. The girl’s mother, however—recently released from prison for drug-related theft—plots to kidnap the little girl and run.

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Heart’s Designwas a pleasant surprise too. It can be read free with Kindle Unlimited

Life as a big city lawyer is not her heart’s desire. It is the plan of her heavy handed barrister father. He expects all three of his offspring to become part of the family business.

On a summer hiking trip with her city-girl friends, they cross paths with a small town mineralogist and college professor. Spending time with him she finds he hears and understands. It’s a new experience, to be heard, and she’s beginning to see life in a different light. Maybe she could stand up to her father and follow her heart.

Women are dying again, found in conspicuous places with a dead blackbird placed beside the body. The man committing the murders ten years ago perished with a fall in a fast flowing river. These new murders look just like his but how could that be.

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Maybe tomorrow will be a better day for new book offerings. In the meantime…

Today’s inspiration includes authors new to me with stories originating from fresh directions. Like this first one.

Falling for the Foe It’s been awhile since I’ve read anything in this setting. It’s a bargain at $1.99 CDN, and possibly lower in the US. The first few pages have me looking forward to jumping into this story.

Amazon quote:

She can’t stand him. He blames her for his company’s woes. Now, they have to work together.

Nia has devoted her career to fighting for life-saving medicines for Ugandans with HIV. But when first-line treatments begin to fail, she must find a new source of affordable drugs before patients start to die. Too bad she just publicly bashed the head of a pharma company that owns a powerful new anti-HIV drug.

Magnus is poised to market a game-changing HIV drug, but an avalanche of bad PR threatens to destroy his company’s reputation and kill his bottom line. When he travels to Uganda to boost his social justice credentials, he’s not expecting to feel such a deep attraction to the woman whose viral blog post led to all his troubles.

To get what they want they must work together. He’s out to rescue his company and she’s trying to save lives. Neither dreamed their hearts would be on the line.

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Another new author/story, a bargain at $1.32

No Longer Alone: Based on a True Story

Amazon quote:

Manhood arrived prematurely. At the tender age of fifteen, Prentis lost both his father and his confidence that God loved him. He grew up fast after that day, abandoning his education to take on the responsibility and hardship of supporting his mother and siblings.

Now, in Prentis’s twenties, Avery reenters his life. A Sunday School teacher with a passion for learning and theology, she is intelligent with a captivating spirit. Prentis finds her irresistible. The audacity of attempting to court such a woman in no way weakens his resolve. He’s determined to win her heart. But male competition, vicious gossip, Avery’s unspoken fears, and the ruin of his livelihood hinder his efforts. How can Prentis win her? And if he does, how will they overcome their differences, the hard life on theOklahoma plains, and a world at war?

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There are some other bargain books appearing alongside these books but they are much the same as most of the other books we’ve seen lately. I gave them a pass, for now.

Personally, I’ve downloaded the first of these two because I think there is a good chance I will read all of it. The second one, I’m not feeling as confident so I didn’t go for it. I can see where some of you may think it’s worth the read though.

My current read ended last night and I find myself between books, which is fortunate for me. Falling for the Foe will definitely be up next.

Another slow day for book suggestions, so far any way. A good time to clear out more of the abandoned and partially read books taking up valuable space.

Larkspur Cove. Still a bargain. Maybe it’s just me but I couldn’t get into it somehow.

Never Been Born, it’s months since I gave up on this one. I did hang on the the 3/4 mark.

Chasing the Butterfly is from last summer (July 2019) and almost half read

Frozen Footprints, with this one it is definitely me that couldn’t get into it. It is still FREE if you want to give it a try.

The Camera Never Lies is a great story idea but I couldn’t connect for some reason. I did want to. I made it to 40%, a good try.

Memoirs of a Girl Who Loves God, I made it to the 36% point on this one too. This deals with tough subjects like cutting and suicide attempts.

Watching the Tree Limbs, is a true story that was not free or a bargain. This author was introduced to me through a podcast dealing with childhood abuse. I did want to read her story but it hit too close to home somehow. Down the road a ways I hope to give it another shot.

Her Believing Heart (The Surveyor’s Daughters.) I can remember trying to connect with this and feeling sad when it didn’t work for me. 25% of this one, a good try.

The Champ is another one surviving to the 1/4 point in the book. The reviews called it engaging but I still moved on to other books for some reason.

Summer of Suspense is a Sixteen book collection with Mary Alford and others. I did make it to the halfway point. The cover pictures downloaded for August and September 2019 have disappeared on me for some reason and this collection is not listed on Amazon anymore. Oh well, I liked the collection but needed a change and didn’t finish. Another time maybe.

There are more abandoned books still to be weeded out… on another day. I’m happy just to have freed up 4 pages with this little exercise.

This post is inspired by the post of a blogger friend here , wanting to become a better reader. His title asks the question: Can you teach me to read?

I agree with him, reading skill is rarely the real problem. Discovery of enjoyment in reading is the real issue. Find a book you love and you will learn to love reading. Over the years, I’ve been considering this question long and hard. In fact, the passion behind this idea is the main motivation for this blog . It’s amazing to witness readers inspired and discovering the joy found in a good book.

Much of my thinking is backed up in the scholarly writings of Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren in The Classic Guide to Intelligent ReadingHow to Read a Book. available on Amazon

My copy was printed in 1972 and given to me 25 years ago (or so) by a good, and scholarly, friend. I freely admit I couldn’t get into it enough to read the whole thing but still it occupies a prominent place, front and center on the book shelf. I think of it fondly and refer to it occasionally. I remember it’s liberating wisdom about the sacredness? of the written word and a few other myth busters like – it’s okay to read the ending before beginning a book, maybe it will even be helpful making connection for you.

Here are some misconceptions I think are acting as road blocks to discovering the joy of reading.

Our mind is convinced we are the problem, the flaw is within us. It’s our fault when we don’t enjoy a book, (We will never make a good reader. We have never learned do it well.) We need to know – lack of enjoyment in a book is not our fault. Seeing the truth of this will be liberating.

Another thought, while we are at it – lack of speed does not count as a fault. It’s true, slow can be painful and discouraging. Be encouraged, practice will increase speed, life will be better.

The real problem (I believe) with the lack of enjoyment is found in connection, or more accurately, the lack of it. Books are like people… they are written by people, so this makes sense to me. When interacting in a conversation we find some connections come easily and swiftly, others – not so much. Like with people, all books are not created equal. It’s unrealistic to expect the same level of connection with every book we pick up.

Another misconception (I think) holding us back from embracing the importance of connection is our misplaced view of honor due to a book. Somehow (I’m not sure how it happened exactly) we’ve had it drilled into us, the idea that if a book is in print it is important, true, and worth our reading time. We’ve all embraced this rule. At least until we identify the need to examine and discard it. A book does not deserve to be read just because it materialized in front of you. It needs to earn the right. There are so many ways it could be undeserving. Maybe the skill level of the author is lacking, maybe their style of expression is off-putting, maybe their treatment of the subject fails at believable. Maybe the content is blatantly untrue.

If a story does not grab your attention it is not your problem. And, it is possible it’s not the authors either. It’s normal for us humans to see things differently There will always be someone who loves something that I don’t. We like what we like and there’s no argument or shame in that. If a book doesn’t appeal quickly, let go and move on without a second, self defeating, thought.

Somehow, I’ve noticed, when it comes to food we aren’t bound by the same sense of guilt. We know what we like and, in most cases, we find it easy to say no without apology.

Reading deserves the same respectful consideration and we need to learn to say no. No more forcing ourselves to finish a book we don’t enjoy. The only benefit of finishing is reinforcement of the lie, reading is drudgery.

One more thought in regard to food: Many of us have the experience of siting at the table of a cook with few skills, eating is necessary but it’s drudgery. The opportunity to sit and sample at the table of a skilled chef will open our eyes to unimaginable possibilities. Who knew food could taste this good! Books are similar, in my opinion. The same story (recipe) in the hands of a skilled author could take you on a magical journey, maybe even the ride of your life.

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OK, so now I’ve had time to sleep on it. In the bright light of morning I’m seeing this from a different perspective and second guessing myself. Maybe the reader is skeptical.

What if I have this all wrong?

Maybe it’s not as simple as finding books you love to make reading universally easy.

Maybe reality says this only works for the few, like me and a short list of other addicts among the billions of possible could-be readers.

Maybe, because I am put off with books I can’t make myself read but I’m all-in with stories appealing to me – like decadent cheese cake, or peanut covered ice cream, drowned in a sea of hot melted chocolate – maybe I just assume it will work as a stimulant for everyone. Maybe in reality it doesn’t work like that.

Maybe books really aren’t like food, where you can’t help but devour a new discovery, tasting so wonderful.

Maybe I’m wrong.

I don’t think so. But I could be.

I hope I’m not. How sad would that be.

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So sorry to change the contemplative mood but, here are a couple of FREE books this morning.

Deep Blue Sea(New England InspirationsBook 1) is new to me but looks like it could be good.

Amazon quote:

Jamie Walker has a secret.And she’ll do anything to keep it that way.Her missing cousin’s cold case has been reopened at the worst time. And by the worst person: a hot shot detective from New York striving to close his 100th case.As the detective gets closer and closer to uncovering the truth of what happened all those years ago, Jamie will go to any lengths to make sure this dusty mystery is one he’ll never solve.

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Holmes Crossing Series contains the first three books in the series. I’ve read and enjoyed the first one, in previous downloads.

Amazon quote:

Her broken childhood makes Leslie desperate to properly balance her love for her family with her love for her ER nursing job.

When the loss of her husband’s business forces them to move temporarily back to his family’s farm, Leslie is terrified that once Dan is back in the fold of family and the community of Holmes Crossing, her needs will be smothered.

Then a near tragedy tests everything they both hold dear.

Start your journey to Holmes Crossing with Dan and Leslie’s story and get pulled into Terra’s, a girl with sass, spunk and a haunting secret.

Terra has spent the last few years outrunning the darkness of her past. But when she is forced to stay in Holmes Crossing past and present clash in a way that has chilling repercussions for any future she hopes to create.

After that you’ll meet Miriam who has a second chance at motherhood when she unexpectedly becomes a joint guardian of the baby she gave up. But can her rekindled relationship with Duncan, co-guardian of her daughter, withstand the accusing secrets of her past?

What readers have to say:

The Only Best Place

“If you cry easily, you may want tissues nearby.”

Happy Reading!

Let me know what you think. Am I delusional?

This is going to be (hopefully) a lengthy list of free books especially for a blogging friend who, like Julia Roberts in the movie Runaway Bride, is trying to discover what he likes. Julia is accused of not knowing what she likes, always making choices based on the likes of others. There’s the famous scene in the movie where she’s trying to prepare eggs every way possible in a process of elimination. She’s been convinced her choices would be better made if she knew what she liked.

Sometimes we need to do that with books, read a large selection of different styles to discover the one we can’t put down and wish would never end.